BoxRec

After seeing the Meager & Murray fight, I can see John Murray being too quick, too strong for Amir Khan.. I can honestly say that I would put my money on Murray doing Khan inside 3 rounds. I know theres a bit of a weight difference, but thats only a few pounds which i dont think would have any impact...

Murray has fought hard to get to where he is now, he has been tested, as whereas Khan on the other hand, has been spoon fed with all his fights being stepping stones..

Does anyone else have any views on this?

Big Bad Wolf wrote:After seeing the Meager & Murray fight, I can see John Murray being too quick, too strong for Amir Khan.. I can honestly say that I would put my money on Murray doing Khan inside 3 rounds. I know theres a bit of a weight difference, but thats only a few pounds which i dont think would have any impact...

Murray has fought hard to get to where he is now, he has been tested, as whereas Khan on the other hand, has been spoon fed with all his fights being stepping stones..

Does anyone else have any views on this?

I think while Khan will have a bit of size on him it wont be what he has ebcome used to in fighting blown up Super-featherweights.

I dont know tho, its certainly an intriguing fight. It'll show us how Khan deals with a proper lightweight pressure fighter rather than Superfeatherweight ones (like Gomez.)

Murray's just won his title. Surely, throw different styles at him, allow him to grow into the next level. However good he is now, he'll get even better with development. Above all, keep him busy and don't ever let him go stale again.

Loads out there for Murray. Thaxton - Murray has wanted Jono for ages and they can settle for the British title, maybe for more if JT wins the EBU belt in Sept. Fewkes - before tonight, most were saying Fewkes would have schooled Murray. Gethin - just won a war on Murray's undercard.

Murray can be built into a world class lightweight. Britain offers a great mix of styles. Khan has a head start on Murray competition-wise, because it has been easier to get names in for Khan than for Murray (who has tried to get ppl like St Clair, Kevin Kelly, etc). Let Murray catch up, have some memorable Friday Fight Nights, become a star in his own right.

If this fight is built to gradually, it'll be worth more, they'll both perform better, and it'll be on at 2am to accomodate Yank TV.

Didn't see Murray last time, but he looked terrible against Al Hamidi in the fight before. Be realistic, Khan is on a totally different level.

You can't judge him by that fight. Murray should have got his shot after the Hickman fight.

Khan "looked terrible" vs a small, old Gomez. Dropped, hurt to the body. All that speed and power and this happened to him.

Romanov "looked terrible" vs 40 yo Stefano Zoff & Graham Earl.

Nate Campbell "looked terrible" vs Isaac Hlatshwayo.

Khan has said he would fight Murray if he won. I think he has changed his tune already. It's not like Murray's trying to ride Khan's coattails or anything. Khan said he's take the fight.

Murray was brilliant vs Meager and ppl are raving about him. His British title shot was long overdue. The guy was left in limbo for 6 months.

Murray looked as dangerous as Romanov on Friday. We know Khan was kept away from Romanov. What does Khan do? He can't fight for a world title - nowhere near ready. He's ignored the British title. Europe was too dangerous. So they're bringing in fringe world class SUPER FEATHERS (Arthur-Cook winner).

Murray is willing to put it on the line & isn't after any soft defences or smaller opponents. If Khan won't take it, they're willing to create demand fight-by-fight. Names thrown around are Thaxton, Melero, Romanov.

Khan has had proper notice for every fight he's ever had (unlike Murray). He has been massively looked after, pampered at times. The last time, they put him in a slightly smaller ring, vs a guy who really wanted to win, and he was hurt twice.

Khan didn't look terrible vs Gomez. He got a careless cause he was in control of the fight. He gave Gomez a beating.

No-one said Kastidis looked terrible vs Earl, indeed the general write up was that he was the next big thing and stuff... yet, Kastidis was in more trouble against Earl than Khan was against Gomez.

And we can criticise Gomez as a fighter, I think it would be a brave man to tip Meager to beat Gomez in a 6 rounder.

Lets not forget - the levels of difference between Meager and Khan... if it was Khan vs Meager last time out - even though he was fighting a proper lightweight. The criticisms would have been there. Step down from Limond, Earl, St Clair, Kristjansen - which he is. Also, the shots that Murray was walking through against Meager would be against a faster, younger, stronger, fitter, bigger man.

Khan has everything on Murray - except defense and chin... does Murray have the punch to capatlise. Yes, but I give him only a punchers chance.

The fact is, Khan's performance against a semi-retired and shot (albeit game), blown up super-featherweight simply didn't back-up the massive amount of hype that Khan has received.

Khan's offensive skills are far superior to that of Murray. Problem for Khan is Murray is very strong and will not succumb to the bully boy tactics and will dish out some of his own medicine.

This fight will be all how Khan box on the back foot and whether Murray has the power to stop Khan in his tracks.

I honestly think it will be one of the cat and mouse fights where Khan will have no choice but to box conservatively, if he manages to do that he would win the fight comfortably on points as Murray is even easier to hit that Khan is. However, the fight could easily turn on its head if Murray catches up with Khan and pins him in a corner or on the ropes and makes the fight messy.

Very interesting fight.

Lets face it, it will not happen for a long time if at all, despite all the shit coming from Team Murray, I really do not think Hennessy will pitch one of his leading boxers into that sort of fight just yet. yes we have the press releases coming out saying this that and the other but when it comes down to Hennessy and Warren discussing the fight, there is one major stumbling block and it always does come down to this and that is who would promote the fight.

There is no chance Warren will concede anything to Hennessy, we can have all the discussions in the world but unless it is for the undisputed championship of the world and the fight has gone to purse bids in my opinion it is not very often you will see either promoter coming together.

Sad but true.

stujones wrote:Khan didn't look terrible vs Gomez. He got a careless cause he was in control of the fight. He gave Gomez a beating.

No-one said Kastidis looked terrible vs Earl, indeed the general write up was that he was the next big thing and stuff... yet, Kastidis was in more trouble against Earl than Khan was against Gomez.

And we can criticise Gomez as a fighter, I think it would be a brave man to tip Meager to beat Gomez in a 6 rounder.

Lets not forget - the levels of difference between Meager and Khan... if it was Khan vs Meager last time out - even though he was fighting a proper lightweight. The criticisms would have been there. Step down from Limond, Earl, St Clair, Kristjansen - which he is. Also, the shots that Murray was walking through against Meager would be against a faster, younger, stronger, fitter, bigger man.

Khan has everything on Murray - except defense and chin... does Murray have the punch to capatlise. Yes, but I give him only a punchers chance.

I've read such rubbish about Khan v Gomez. Gomez was stopped by Carl Johanesson -Michael just takes flush shots these days. And I hear ppl saying "the more I watch Khan-Gomez, the more impressed I am." Frankly, I am baffled.

Sure, Khan's speed will be difficult for Murray. But every Manchester fighter will be salivating after Khan-Gomez.

I wouldn't say Khan has everything. Khan has speed and movement. Murray has pressure and infighting. Khan struggled under pressure vs a smaller man. Khan is practically a light welter and he was getting pressured by a super feather who peaked a decade ago.

Murray will demolish guys who come straight to him, but he is trying to test himself vs a guy like Khan. Why isn't Khan trying to test himself?

I think it's funny when ppl see a fast, shoeshining fighter and feel this is far superior to anything. Murray has solid skills, toughness, a great temperament (doesn't panic, doesn't rush), body punching. I think he can implement a long distance plan and do very well.

The more British title fights that Murray has, the better he will get. it will be a very tough fight for both of them right now. Why don't Team Khan agree with ppl that he's too mobile/fast for Murray & take the fight then?


fatboy2008 -why do you say "the shit that's coming from team Murray"? Khan said he'd fight the Murray-Meager winner.

I'll finish by saying Khan v Murray makes sense, Commonwealth champ v British champ. There's no stray poor man's world title so Khan is still domestic/Euro level right now. It's a big test for both. It will prepare both for world class, should they both reach it.

Remember when we used to get fights like Benn v Watson? Commonwealth title, big risk fight to see who would challenge the great Mike McCallum. Defeats to Watson and Eubank helped Benn beat men like Barkely and McClellan.

What else can Khan do, for the moment? European title? Not yet, as it's Thaxton vs Melero. IBO title, I think Limond is fighting for/waiting to fight for. Commonwealth title defence - against who, exactly?

The next blown up super featherweight won't be ready for Khan til next year (Arthur-Cook winner). Khan wants to fight in Sept. Murray wants to fight in Sept.

Khan does have great speed and movement. But Murray is a class (and a weight class) above most of Khan's comp. I don't think Khan will just be able to skip around, shoeshine, have a lovely time, and coast to a UD.

One thing about Khan he is very quick. He does not have a Solid KO punch, but does pack a decent punch.

Decent Punches + Speed = East TKO or KO.

i have only really noticed one problem with Khan. Getting to anxious to KO his opponent. Then leading with his Chin when trying to throw dozens of hay makers every second.

He fought perfectly against St. Claire, but it seems all that went out of the window when fighting Gomez.

I think that's exactly when Khan is most vulnerable. When he rushes in to finish you. Massive speed, overanxiousness, chin up = KO risk.

Of course, if you don't answer a Khan extended flurry, you can get TKO'd yourself. British refs, etc.

I wonder if he'd get frustrated if Murray has a tight guard, like he did vs Meager, stopping Khan from getting through. Khan hit A LOT of arms vs the limited Kristiansen. The Dane couldn't fight coming forward. He was to Khan what Tony Thompson was to Wlad.

What happens when a slick, snazzy kind of fighter gets frustrated? When the confidence goes a bit. When he's not sure quite what to do yet? He'll make mistakes, I reckon.

In short, I think Khan should really be fighting guys like Murray & Romanov if he wants to go o to be a lightweight world champ. Maybe he carries on facing super featherweights, and then moves up to light welter for his title shot though.

Personally, I myself would like to see Murray take on some good movers if Khan doesn't take the fight. I don't think a Fewkes fight is particularly close to happening however.

Autobarn wrote:Maybe he carries on facing super featherweights, and then moves up to light welter for his title shot though.

My thoughts exactly. If he's 1.5% body fat and only just making 135, I can't see him staying at the weight for much longer. Plus there's no really the ferious punchers at 140 that there is at 135.

It's fairly devoid of credible talent right now.

140 does look relatively safe. Dull, as well. Until Victor Ortiz and Lamont Peterson have developed. Apparently Khan beat Ortiz in the ams?

I didn't think Ortiz had fought at that weight for a year. Wasn't his last fight at 147 that was shown on SKY?

I haven't seen the Am fight between Ortiz and Khan, but I've been told Amir dominated him for two rounds, which suprised me given Victor's build.

I'm expecting Anthony to move up to be with Lamont at 140 soon too (they were talking of pulling him out of the NABF fight, as he was struggling to make 135). That would be bad for the division as we'll probably have another Klitschko problem.

Julio Diaz's last fight was at 138(ish) so you never know. He could win a belt.

Amir Khan on Ortiz:

Not a lot of people know that I boxed Ortiz in the amateurs and I stopped him in the second round. I beat him in the 2003 Junior Olymipc Games in Louisiana, and I remember the whole American team coming up to and saying, 'You're not going to beat this guy.' But the guy didn't hit me once. He was the number-one guy and going into the fight he was unbeaten for so long, so the odds were completely against me.

Ortiz looks good, but only has 2 punches, right hook, straight left. If he gets 'em both off, he's devastating (see Maussa KO). If he can't, he's awkward and wonky.

Autobarn wrote: fatboy2008 -why do you say "the shit that's coming from team Murray"? Khan said he'd fight the Murray-Meager winner.

And are you naive enough to believe all the shit that is written and said in the papers and on the websites?

Even when you have 2 fighters who genuinally want to fight each other you then have the problem of the promoters and those problems are highlighted in my previous post.

I will love it if the fight happens, but can you honestly see Hennessy and Warren compromising despite whatever bullshit comes out in the media outlets?

I'm very naive and sheltered. I still suck my thumb and have a feeling blanket. I watch old reruns of Charlie Brown. It makes me feel safe in this uncompromising world.

The fact is, that Khan, on video, on TV, whatever, was asked if he'd fight the winner of Murray-Meager. Team Murray are adamant that they are not trying to live off Khan's name. Khan has already said it, and Murray is saying, OK let's do it.

Definitely, it may not be the easiest fight to make. If Murray had looked like he did v Hamidi, on Fri, then it would be easy to make. Last fri, Murray looked lethal, which could make things difficult for Khan, just getting a new trainer, coming off a hard fight.

I think Hennessy could compromise to make the fight happen. Look at Froch and Witter - in their 30s, still looking for big fights. I've talked to Team Murray, and they seem willing to take a Haye like gamble. They're under no illusions that they'll be up against it, but they want it due to confidence.

Of course, it could get put off and put off. It could get left to get bigger. It may just get talked about & never materialise.

Big Bad Wolf wrote:After seeing the Meager & Murray fight, I can see John Murray being too quick, too strong for Amir Khan.. I can honestly say that I would put my money on Murray doing Khan inside 3 rounds. I know theres a bit of a weight difference, but thats only a few pounds which i dont think would have any impact...

Murray has fought hard to get to where he is now, he has been tested, as whereas Khan on the other hand, has been spoon fed with all his fights being stepping stones..

Does anyone else have any views on this?

Khan's definately the faster fighter.

Meager was very weak, as long as Khan doesn't trade, I can see Khan beat him clearly on points.

Autobarn wrote:The fact is, that Khan, on video, on TV, whatever, was asked if he'd fight the winner of Murray-Meager. Team Murray are adamant that they are not trying to live off Khan's name. Khan has already said it, and Murray is saying, OK let's do it.

How many times have there been fighters who have done exactly the same for it to be scuppered by the promoters.

In addition you say you believe Hennessy will compromise. He has his own contract to look after and a potential new one with ITV do you honestly think he would allow one of his best boxers to fight on another channel, even if he did what would the Paymasters at ITV or Sky think?

Think about it.

fatboy2008 wrote:In addition you say you believe Hennessy will compromise. He has his own contract to look after and a potential new one with ITV do you honestly think he would allow one of his best boxers to fight on another channel, even if he did what would the Paymasters at ITV or Sky think?

Think about it.

Wouldn't the fight be on ITV, as Khan fights on ITV? If Hennessy have a deal with ITV as well then surely that would make things easier.

Horse wrote:

fatboy2008 wrote:In addition you say you believe Hennessy will compromise. He has his own contract to look after and a potential new one with ITV do you honestly think he would allow one of his best boxers to fight on another channel, even if he did what would the Paymasters at ITV or Sky think?

Think about it.

Wouldn't the fight be on ITV, as Khan fights on ITV? If Hennessy have a deal with ITV as well then surely that would make things easier.

Gomez was the last ITV fight.

Asterix wrote:Gomez was the last ITV fight.

Is he on Setanta from now on? I thought Warren might renew his deal with ITV.

Horse wrote:

Asterix wrote:Gomez was the last ITV fight.

Is he on Setanta from now on? I thought Warren might renew his deal with ITV.

Still in negotiations apparently. But as 06/09 is on Setanta (their fighters are participating) presumably this will be sorted soon.